TH022-806 - Foundations for Systematic Theology

  • 1,644 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 6
    Credit Points
  • 0.0625 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • Theology Unit Discipline

Exclusions

TH005

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

  1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of the nature, content and methods of Systematic Theology

B. Be able to

  1. Examine the central topics of Systematic Theology
  2. Critically Evaluate evidence-based perspectives on Systematic Theology

C. Be in a position to

  1. Apply knowledge, Critical thinking skills and perspectives from ‘Foundations of Systematic Theology’ to contemporary Christian life and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

  1. The Nature and Purpose of Systematic Theology
    • Various definitions and proposals
  2. The Central Topics of Systematic Theology
    • Creation
    • God
    • Sin
    • Revelation
    • The Gospel
    • Salvation
    • The Church
    • Last Things
  3. The Hierarchical Nature of Doctrine
    • Why and how some topics are more important than others
  4. The Interrelation of Doctrine
    • How the major topics interrelate to each other
  5. The Method of Systematic Theology
    • The relation of exegesis, biblical theology, and systematic theology
    • The role and purpose of historical theology, philosophical theology, practical theology, moral theology, ethics, and church history and their relation to systematic theology
    • Introduction to various systems of theology, such as:
      1. Roman Catholic
      2. Eastern Orthodox
      3. Protestant
      4. Pentecostal
      5. Liberal
      6. Feminist

Further Information

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code TRT52.

Set Readings

Barrett, M. (ed), Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary (Wheaton: Crossway, 2017).

Barth, K., Dogmatics in Outline (London: SCM, 2001).

Bavinck, H., Reformed Dogmatics, 4 vols. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic 2003-2008).

Calvin, J., The Institutes of the Christian Religion. 2 vols. trans. F. Battles (trans) J. McNeill (ed.) (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960).

Carson, D.A., “The Role of Exegesis in Systematic Theology,” Doing Theology in Today's World, 1991, editors J.D. Woodbridge and T.E. McComiskey, pp. 39-76.

Clark, D. K., To Know and Love God: Method for Theology. (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2003).

Erickson, M. J., Christian Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2nd ed. 2003).

Frame, J., Salvation Belongs to the Lord: An Introduction to Systematic Theology (Phillipsburg NJ: P&R, 2006).

Franke, J. R., The Character of Theology: An Introduction to its Nature, Task, and Purpose. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005).

Grudem, W., Systematic Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2007).

Healy, N. M., “What is Systematic Theology?” International Journal of Systematic Theology (2009) 11/ 1.

Horton, M. Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013).

Horton, M. S., The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims Along the Way (Zondervan, 2011).

Jensen, P.F., At the Heart of the Universe (Homebush West: Lancer, 1991).

Kim, S. C. H., ed., Christian Theology in Asia (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008).

Letham, R., Through Western Eyes. Eastern Orthodoxy: A Reformed Perspective (Fearn: Mentor, 2007).

Lossky, V., Orthodox Theology: An Introduction (Crestwood: St. Vladimir's Press, 1978).

McGrath, A., Christian Theology: An Introduction (London: Wiley-Blackwell 3rd ed. 2006).

Migliore, D., Faith with Understanding (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2nd ed. 2004).

Milne, B., Know the Truth (Downers Grove IL: IVP, 3rd ed. 2009).

Muller, R.A., “The Role of Church History in the Study of Systematic Theology,” Doing Theology in Today's World, editors J.D. Woodbridge and T.E. McComiskey (1991), pp. 77-97.

Muller, R.A., The Study of Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991).

Treier, D., Introducing Evangelical Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2019).

Van der Kooi, C. & Van den Brink, G., Christian Dogmatics: An Introduction (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017).

Webster, J., “Introduction: Systematic Theology”, pp 1-15 in J. Webster, K. Tanner, I. Torrance, eds., The Oxford handbook of Systematic Theology (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007).

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